Blue Phycocyanin
Description
Phycocyanin (C-PC) is a water-soluble, blue phycobiliprotein derived primarily from cyanobacteria such as Spirulina platensis and Arthrospira maxima. It serves as a light-harvesting pigment in photosynthesis while exhibiting potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
Chemical & Structural Properties:
Molecular Weight: ~240 kDa (hexameric form)
Absorption Peak: 620 nm (bright blue color)
Fluorescence: Emits at 650 nm (quantum yield ~0.7)
Spectroscopic Properties
|
Parameter |
Value |
Significance |
|
Extinction coefficient (ε₆₂₀) |
1.54×10⁶ M⁻¹cm⁻¹ |
Quantification standard |
|
Fluorescence lifetime |
2.8 ns |
Probe stability |
|
Quantum yield |
0.68±0.03 |
Imaging applications |
|
Photostability |
t½ >8h (visible light) |
Formulation consideration |
Solubility:
Water: Highly soluble (>50 mg/mL)
Ethanol: Partially soluble (5-10 mg/mL)
Insoluble in organic solvents (e.g., chloroform, hexane)
Extraction & Purification:
Cold-Water Extraction: Preserves bioactivity (yield: 10-15% from dry biomass).
Supercritical CO₂: Enhances purity (>95%) with 17 MPa, 45°C.
Chromatography: Expanded bed adsorption (EBA) for high-purity C-PC
Analytical Methods
Purity: UV-Vis spectrophotometry
Identity: Native PAGE + zinc staining
Contaminants: LC-MS/MS (phycotoxins <1ppb)
Activity: Oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay
Quality Parameters
|
Grade |
Purity (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀) |
Applications |
|
Food |
>0.7 |
Natural colorant |
|
Cosmetic |
>2.0 |
Topical formulations |
|
Nutraceutical |
>3.0 |
Dietary supplements |
|
Research |
>4.0 |
Biochemical assays |
Benefits
✔ Powerful Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals
✔ Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces chronic inflammation
✔ Immune Support – Enhances lymphocyte activity
✔ Neuroprotection – Supports brain health
✔ Natural Colorant – FDA-approved blue food dye
Applications
Nutraceuticals: Capsules, powders (100–500 mg/day)
Functional Foods: Ice cream, beverages (natural blue coloring)
Cosmetics: Anti-aging serums, brightening creams
Biomedical Research: Fluorescent probes, drug delivery
Product Processing











